Quinn called the plan “short-sighted" and vowed to fight it, but a spokesman for Spitzer, when asked, offered a detailed defense:

"Governor Spitzer remains committed to a full renovation and possible modest expansion of the Jacob Javits convention center. After review of the original plan introduced by the prior Administration, it was determined that such a plan will never be economically viable for New York. The true costs of a full expansion was revealed to exceed more then $5 billion; costs that will only continue to rise making future expansion at the existing site even less viable. We agree with Speaker Quinn that we should all be working towards a solution that looks beyond the west side of Manhattan for a long-term answer to this question. The current plan under consideration includes a renovation and a modest expansion. We are proposing to move forward with the sale of the northern parcel subject to approval of the State Legislature, as well as the sale of a second parcel, between 33rd and 34th Streets. Both will help fund other vital economic development projects throughout the City including, transportation, affordable housing and waterfront revitalization."